Capacity Evaluation of Typical Track-to-Concrete Power-Actuated Fastener Connections in Nonstructural Walls

Abstract

Damage to track-to-concrete connections has been widely reported in experimental studies on the seismic performance of nonstructural partition walls. These connections are commonly comprised of light-gauge cold-formed steel tracks attached to the concrete base material with power-actuated fasteners (PAFs). The failure of PAF connections resulted in a loss of strength and stiffness of the partition walls and led to subsequent damage mechanisms. A series of component-level experiments was conducted at the University of Nevada, Reno, to characterize the cyclic response and damage mechanisms of track-to-concrete PAF connections subjected to either tension or shear force. The observed damage mechanisms and force-displacement responses are presented and compared for two track thicknesses. Also, the accuracy of available design provisions for predicting the ultimate connection capacity was investigated. The data were then used to develop the capacity fragility curves in terms of connection displacement. Additionally, a series of nonlinear numerical hinge models was proposed and calibrated using component experimental data to represent the hysteretic behavior of track-to-concrete connections.